The proportion of people expressing concerns about NHS services has almost doubled in two years with two thirds of Britons now worried about accessing care, according to research from The Exeter
However there are also sharply growing fears about the affordability of private healthcare as premium rises and the cost of living appear to be taking effect.
The insurer’s poll of 2,000 Britons found 71% were worried about rising NHS waiting times for treatments and operations – up from 39% in similar research in 2023.
Likewise 64% were concerned about the availability of NHS services for non-urgent treatment – almost double the 33% figure in 2023 – while 63% were anxious about the impact of NHS strike action.
Access to GPs also ranked highly with 60% worried about securing a same-day or face-to-face appointment (37% in 2023), while more than half (52%) were concerned about the difficulties of contacting surgeries by telephone (37% in 2023).
Private healthcare costs
The research indicates these financial pressures are also shaping choices.
Concerns about the affordability of private healthcare have doubled since 2023, rising from 21% to 43%.
The issue is felt most strongly among those aged 25 to 34, where just over half (51%) said they were worried about being able to afford private healthcare, the highest level of concern across all age groups.
The research also showed that income influenced views on NHS access, with worries about waiting times increasing as wages fall.
Almost three-quarters (73%) of those earning £15,000 or less reported concern, compared with 66% of those on £55,000 or more.
Though it is not just lower earners who feel this way, with concern equally as high among middle earners on £25,000 to £45,000, with over two-thirds (72%) also saying they were worried about waiting times.
Karen Woodley, head of healthcare distribution at The Exeter, said: “These results show just how strongly people are feeling the pressure on NHS services right now.
“It’s not just about health conditions anymore – worries about waiting times, getting in to see a GP and even the impact of the recent strike action are front of mind when people think about their health.
“Even those turning to private healthcare to avoid NHS waiting times are increasingly worried about affordability of the options available.
“It’s important we keep raising awareness of private health insurance policies and continue developing innovative ways to make private healthcare more accessible and sustainable, so people can get the care they need without added financial pressure.”